In Australia, Aged Care Residents Celebrate Their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Over 300 people attended the ceremony at Gary Smorgon House, Caulfield, where residents’ family and friends; fellow residents and the Jewish Care community watched their loved ones take part in this emotional and inspiring occasion. Held on the seventh day of Chanukah, the festivities included a synagogue service, singing, dancing and a brunch.
The ages of those participating were 80’s and 90’s with the oldest resident at 99 years old.
She explained how the Rabbi invited her two weeks ago to participate in the ceremony. She replied: “Rabbi, I’m in it, it’s a good idea, but you know you’re taking me back 80 years, it will be a long journey – a journey of memories, and very emotional.”